News Summary
De’Monte Russell, a former Mississippi State University football player, is set to appear in court for a simple assault charge stemming from an incident that left another student with severe injuries. The altercation, which took place outside Two Brothers Smoked Meats, resulted in the victim, Trace Howell, suffering a traumatic brain injury and ongoing complications. Russell faces potential jail time and financial restitution for Howell’s medical expenses as the case highlights issues of player conduct within collegiate sports.
Starkville, Mississippi – Former Mississippi State University (MSU) football player De’Monte Russell is set to reappear in Starkville Municipal Court on a charge of simple assault related to an altercation that occurred nearly a year prior. Russell, who was indicted on the misdemeanor charge by the Oktibbeha County grand jury several months ago, faces serious implications as the court date approaches.
The incident in question happened on May 8, 2024, when Russell reportedly struck fellow MSU student Trace Howell outside of Two Brothers Smoked Meats. As a result of this altercation, Howell sustained a traumatic brain injury and is still undergoing recovery. Howell’s attorney revealed the injuries included a grossly swollen jaw, head trauma, and several medical complications stemming from the incident.
Medical evaluations indicated that Howell experienced bleeding in two areas of the right frontal lobe along with two bulging discs in his back. Since the assault, Howell has faced ongoing health complications such as loss of smell, numbness in his fingers, tingling sensations, periodic headaches, and cognitive slowdowns, which have persisted for more than six months following the event.
If the case proceeds to trial, there is a petition for Russell to be sentenced to the maximum of six months in jail, as mandated by the state’s simple assault statute. Additionally, Howell’s legal representation is pushing for full restitution covering his medical expenses, which currently amount to approximately $49,000. An alternative plea agreement has been suggested, proposing a 90-day jail sentence without the possibility of early release in addition to covering Howell’s medical costs.
De’Monte Russell, who played as a defensive lineman for the MSU Bulldogs during the 2024 season, is not listed on the current 2025 roster. His legal issues come at a time when the football program is already grappling with challenges, having concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 2-10. As the team heads into the new season under the guidance of head coach Jeff Lebby, there are increased expectations for improvement both on and off the field.
The impact of this incident reaches beyond personal consequences for Russell and Howell; it reflects ongoing concerns regarding player conduct and accountability in collegiate athletics. As the court date draws near, the ramifications for those involved and the university community continue to unfold, ensuring that the case remains in the spotlight.
The Starkville Municipal Court’s handling of this matter will not only determine the legal future for Russell but will also potentially influence the culture of sportsmanship and responsibility within the MSU football program moving forward. Both Howell’s recovery process and the outcome of the court case will closely be monitored by the university community and beyond as the legal proceedings advance.
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Additional Resources
- WLBT: Former MSU Football Player to Appear in Court
- Clarion Ledger: MSU Spring Game & Super Bulldog Weekend
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Football Commitments
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State University Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
